Lois Lowry’s prize-winning novel “The Giver” pre-dated “Divergent” by a couple of decades, yet the film version of her beloved book feels like a rehash of that dystopian sci-fi thriller.

While the 1993 book was a thoughtful meditation on mind control and the blandness of life in a pseudo-utopia, the movie doesn’t convey that depth. It changes some plot points and lacks the resonance and mythic quality of Lowry’s literary allegory.

While the adult performances are strong, especially Jeff Bridges in the title role, youthful characterizations are not nearly as illuminating as they were on the page. Overall, the long-awaited adaptation is visually handsome, but disappointing and thematically flattened.

Bridges is convincing as “The Giver.” It’s an honored position in his well-ordered community, but takes its toll on the bearded recluse.

His job is to pass on his compendium of intensely felt memories to young Jonas (Brenton Thwaites). In the novel, Jonas had just turned 12 when he’s selected to be the new Receiver of Memory. In the movie he’s clearly older, looking about 16 (though Thwaites is actually 25). The film also introduces a youthful romance that feels forced.

Jonas lives in a world of sameness. Conflict and strong emotions have been eradicated through strict rules, imposed politeness, language precision and medication.

It was decided much earlier that the community should not be burdened by memories of how life used to be. One brave person is selected to be keenly aware of a wide range of experiences that others know nothing about: love, excitement, war, suffering, colors. The aging Giver is passing the baton to the young Receiver.

Meryl Streep plays the Chief Elder in a more villainous way than the character was written. Director Philip Noyce has decided to make her more of a fearsome Big Brother figure.

The movie’s weakest segment is an extended action climax that turns this potent allegory — and its open-ended denouement — into a generic action thriller, complete with drones and menacing enforcers racing around on motorized bikes.

For those who have not read the book, the movie will seem derivative. And for those who have read it, it is likely to feel disappointing for the dimension it leaves out.